Elsie Robertson Lancaster STEM Middle School Principal Elijah Granger looked to his Parent Teacher Association when he wanted to reward students who displayed academic achievement and gains.This collaboration equated to a limousine ride to a classy restaurant.

It’s hard to incentivize teens…just ask any parent. However, Elsie Robertson Lancaster STEM Middle School Principal Elijah Granger looked to his Parent Teacher Association when he wanted to reward students who displayed academic achievement and gains.

The principal and campus wanted to reward students who passed their benchmark exams with a grade of 70 or higher and who made the academic honor roll.

So, on Valentine’s Day, three white limousines pulled up in front of the campus ready to take the eligible middle school honor students to the Pappadeaux Seafood Kitchen for lunch.

Seventh grader Jayla Maple, who wants to go to Harvard University and become a corporate lawyer, was one of the select students to participate in the outing.

“I was very excited about this trip because I've never been to Pappadeaux and I was proud of myself,” Maple said. “This is a great trip because it will give people an incentive to pass their tests next time.”

Melvin Hernandez, a seventh grader who wants to go to the University of Texas and be an architect, said that this was his opportunity to be classy and celebrate.

“I feel like we deserve this trip because we passed all of our tests and that’s something that everyone can’t do.”

Lancaster Middle School Students in Transition (SIT) Coordinator Eugene Lott was one of the adult chaperones who accompanied the students on the outing. He said that trips like this show other students that hard work pays off.

“It lets other students see that if they put forth the same effort, they can be rewarded too,” he said. “This time, we took a small group. My wish is for the whole school to be a part of this.”

The school collaborated with local business Golden Gate Funeral Home to arrange the transportation for the students. The chauffeurs arrived and treated the students like royalty.

For many of the students, it was their first time in a limousine.

“Creating these type of experiences is important for our students,” Mr. Lott said. “I’m just so proud of each and every one of them.”

The following students participated in the special lunch celebration:

Melvin Hernandez – 7th

Jayla Maple – 7th

Kiarra Swanson – 7th

Jaydin Bonilla – 8th

Kalei Brown – 8th

Tony Burney – 8th

Sierra Criss – 8th

Leslie Garcia – 8th

Mikhi Hemphill – 8th

Kennedy Mathews – 8th

Danteryia Murry – 8th

Lamarra Smith-Gibbs – 8th

Ranecia West – 8th

Demaya Williams – 8th

The Lancaster Public Schools serve more than 6,000 pre-kindergarten through grade 12 students in 11 schools. The mission of the Lancaster Independent School District, a leader in providing innovative, quality programs, is to educate every student with the knowledge; skills; and principles to succeed and contribute in a competitive and technologically advancing world by providing rigorous and engaging learning opportunities that promote diversity; create an environment of integrity and respect; and establish a commitment to continued improvement in partnership with families and community. ___________________________________________________________________________________________________